Return of the Knights: Monty Python’s Spamalot Set for Broadway Revival, Carrying Forward the Kennedy Center Legacy

After a successful stint at the Kennedy Center in the nation’s capital earlier in the year, the much-loved Monty Python’s Spamalot is gearing up for a triumphant return to Broadway in the autumn. The marquee at the St. James Theatre will light up on October 31, leading up to the official curtain raise on November 16.

The talented Josh Rhodes, who seamlessly directed and choreographed the Kennedy Center show, is on board to replicate his dual role for the Broadway production. Although Rhodes has an impressive portfolio of Broadway choreography — the recent Bright Star being a case in point — the forthcoming Spamalot sets the stage for his directorial debut.

Details regarding the cast and the full creative crew are yet to be unveiled.

This marks the first time the iconic Spamalot is being revived on Broadway and it’s also the inaugural production from the Kennedy Center’s Broadway Center Stage series to make a transition to the prestigious Main Stem. The series was kick-started in 2018 under the capable stewardship of artistic director Jeffrey Finn, who concurrently holds the position of vice president and executive producer of theater at the Kennedy Center. Finn will don the producer’s hat for the upcoming Broadway production.

The Tony Award-nominated book for this musical comedy was penned by Eric Idle and a similarly nominated score carries lyrics by Idle and music by both Idle and John Du Prez. Spamalot draws its inspiration from the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie, a masterpiece penned by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

In anticipation of the nearly 20-year anniversary of the original production, Finn shared his excitement in a statement, “It is a great privilege to reintroduce Spamalot to its rightful place on Broadway, satisfying the yearning of fans who have missed it, and introducing the Knights of the Round Table to a fresh audience. I am elated to carry forward the Kennedy Center’s tradition of introducing great productions from D.C. to the city that never sleeps – Camelot! Or should I say, New York!”

Spamalot made its debut on Broadway in 2005, charming audiences for a commendable 1,575 performances before the curtains came down on January 11, 2009. The original production was showered with 14 Tony nominations and walked away with three wins, including the coveted Best Musical.